Paul Hearn

Profile/CV

I consider myself to be a collagist, and in the simplest terms all of my work can be seen as an extension of collage. I work in a variety of media from paint, digital and photographic work to large scale constructions and installations. therefore I have created LustrousChemistry as a canister to contain the many facets of my work.

LustrousChemistry is a precise description of the content of my work. as with a more conventional chemistry that involves the reaction caused when two chemicals are mixed, I am interested in the placing of disparate objects within a space and observing the way that they react to one another. My observations are informed by the meaning these objects hold as well as misconceptions, slip-ups and double-entendres related to them. what we remember, what we mis-remember and what we forget all play a large part in my formation of ideas.

I am attracted to the radiance, sheen and more importantly to the dark lustre of certain materials. I am not necessarily interested in expensive things but I’m intrigued how gloss, shine and vibrant colour can transform mundane things into objects of desire.

I like to explore the way we construct our lives and live behind facades; facades that are exaggerated to glossier extremes in popular culture, fashion and pop music. I hold true punk ethics which I like to temper with arts & crafts sensibilities, and above all I am in awe of the beauty of how things fit together.

Website www.lustrouschemistry.com